Bay's Williamson unlikely to wow the fashion world

CASUAL: Kane Williamson at Mount Maunganui Primary last month.

He is Wisden's top cricketer and now Kane Williamson is trying his hand at modelling.

The Black Caps captain and his teammate Trent Boult have posed for a fashion shoot, with early pics posted on Facebook thanks to Cricket New Zealand.

Williamson - officially named by cricket bible Wisden as the best player in the world - and Boult combined with abrasive Aussie Dave Warner in India for a shoot for famed fashion label Tommy Hilfiger, who are sponsors of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team which the trio play for in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The transtasman trio were joined by Shikhar Dhawan to showcase the label's spring-summer 2016 line.

"I'm always made fun of by my buddies for being not so fashion-forward," Williamson admitted to an Indian newspaper that covered the shoot.

"I do believe that it's extremely important to be comfortable in what you're wearing and that's what defines fashion for me.

"We have been dressing in Tommy Hilfiger for two years now and I really like their clothes."

Boult admitted to enjoying the sponsor task.

"For me, fashion is what's in right now.

"I love following the latest trends in clothes, accessories and even hairstyles. Following trends really excites me and I think it's important to be up-to-date," said the Black Caps fast bowler.

"I like the watches and polo shirts which come in the PGA Tour."

Williamson told the Hindu Times fun away from the IPL helped keep players sane.

"It is extremely important. Sometimes you get two or three days between matches and maybe a week between tours. You have to take that time to relax. It is a constant challenge.

"I think we are very fortunate to be doing things we loved as a child. But at the same time, when you do so much, it is important to have time away and do other things. Having that balance is most important."

Asked which of their national teammates spends the most time in front of the mirror, Williamson nominated Boult, Tim Southee and Corey Anderson. Boult also went for Southee, adding "he carries a separate bag just for gel".

Williamson admitted to some apprehension about the shoot: "I am one of those who get paid out for not having good fashion sense. It is not a big part of my life to be honest."

Cricket NZ's Facebook post awarded extra points to Williamson for his "model lean" but the hashtag of #sticktocricket said it all. NZME